I don't know if this is weird, but I put on my thinking cap, started a bsns-looking email, and went around to overseas chemical suppliers asking about research chemicals I needed for my lab for "research on microbial cultures." As broad and vague a statement as that, we got some interesting responses, typically in severely-broken English. I mean I didn't put on a suit and tie and fly out there to shake hands, but its something right? Idk that's all I got.